Chart Installation

OpenCPN does not come with charts, however there are many Chart Sources, and it does come with a Background Map (GSHHS Low Res) installed which shows the Continents. This GSHHG Basemap is always displayed, regardless of chart groups, and it can be improved with a High Resolution GSHHG Background Map. For more detail see High Resolution GSHHG Background Map.

Charts are a complex subject. OpenCPN can read BSB, S-57 unencrypted and early CM93 charts natively. There are a number of OpenCPN Chart plugins which enable reading specialized and encrypted chart sets.

Having accurate and current charts is important for safe navigation. The USA provides free NOAA Charts as do many other countries. The built-in ChartDownloader Tool will download free (S-57) NOAA ENC digital and RNC raster Charts which OpenCPN can read natively without use of a Plugin.

There are basically three excellent ways to install Charts:

• Chart Downloader Tab Download free S-57 charts near or in your area. Recommended first step for new users, to experiment with Charts and learn the process.

• Chart Manual Install Download any S-57 NOAAA ENC Chart from Individual ENC Charts, unzip and copy them into your Charts directory following Chart Manual Install instructions.
  • NOAA Free S-57 Format ENC & RNC Charts (USA)
    • Individual ENC Charts Download any one, unzip and install.
    • NOAA's Chart Download website
    • NOAA ENC USA Charts
    • NOAA RNC USA Charts
    • NOAA IENC USA Inland Marine Charts

• O-Charts.org and O-charts Plugin Encrypted S-57 Charts
  • O-Charts.org A chart provider for OpenCPN charts. The most reasonable and easiest way to purchase charts for most worldwide cruising grounds and in your area.
  • O-charts Plugin enables OpenCPN to read encrypted S-57 RNC and ENC (actually a OpenCPN SENC file).
  • O-charts Plugin takes the place of oeSENC_pi and oeRNC_pi.
  • Start by installing the O-charts Plugin, creating an account on O-Charts.org, purchasing some charts and following the instructions.

1. In OpenCPN, from Toolbar, pick About “?”, then click on the Config File link.
2. The file should open in your text editor.
3. Search for the parameter “BaseChartDir=”
4. Make note of the Charts Folder path.
5. The other alternative is to try searching your hard drive for “Chart”

Getting started using OpenCPN consists of 3 basic steps:

1. Chart Installation of Charts to be read by OpenCPN (OpenCPN does not include charts)
2. Charts Basic Features - Main Source for using charts
3. GPS Setup to communicate with your computer and OpenCPN (Optional, but very useful)

Completing these 3 steps will get you started and allow you to check out the program.

If you still have questions there is a large supportive OpenCPN community in this Cruisers Forum.

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